Bioluminescence imaging is an non-invasive approach used to measure tumor load and distribution in mice. Murine cervical cancer models such as TC-1 tumor cell line can be modified to express luciferase. We have generated a few cell lines that express luciferase. After inoculation of mice with tumor cells expressing luciferase, D-luciferin is given to mice for activation by luciferase in the tumor cells. Seven to 8 minutes after adding luciferin, in vivo bioluminescence imaging is conducted on a cryogenically cooled IVIS Imaging System 200. The mice are placed onto the warmed stage inside a lighttight camera box with continuous isoflurane exposure. The levels of light from the bioluminescent cells are detected, integrated, and digitized. Regions of luminescence are quantified as total photon counts using acquisition and analysis software, and the values are graphed. We and others have shown that bioluminescence intensity correlates with tumor volume.

In vivo bioluminescence images of mice inoculated with luciferase-expressing tumor cells and treated with irradiated tumor cell-based vaccine. C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally challenged with luciferase-expressing tumor cells. Five days later, the mice were treated with irradiated tumor cells expressing Hsp70. Mice were imaged using the IVIS Imaging System Series 200. Bioluminescence signals were acquired for one minute. The figure shows luminescence images in representative mice from day 42 in the control and treated groups. Bar graphs to the right depicting the quantification of luminescent activity in the mice.